A new independent bookshop is opening in Macclesfield

The Quiet Cat Bookshop, located at the Grosvenor Centre, is preparing to welcome its first customers.

Behind the till you will find local resident and book lover, Suzy Prince.

The 52-year-old said: "Every town should have a bookshop.

"Macclesfield has a Waterstones, and I love the fact it is here and I hope it stays here for many years, but I just think there's space for something slightly different.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people who will really appreciate what we do."

She added: "I've always been in and around books.

"Everything I have worked in has always been about writing and words.

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"I'm just so excited to open, I really can't wait!"

Suzy and her partner own Bopcap Books in Levenshulme (Credit: Suzy Prince)

Suzy was born in Macclesfield but grew up in the Peak District.

Following university, where she studied English literature, Suzy moved to London, where she co-owned a shop selling books and gifts.

After 15 years she and her partner moved to Manchester, with Suzy later setting up a stall selling gifts and books at Levenshulme Market.

"I didn't know anybody when we moved there. I had a toddler and was five months pregnant, so it was a really isolating time," she said.

"So, when they got a little bit older, I decided to do something to get myself out of the house, almost as a social thing."

The success of the market stall led to Suzy setting up Bopcap Books in 2019.

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The store was named one of Manchester's best independent shops by Time Out in both 2023 and 2024.

The shelves are waiting to be filled (Credit: Suzy Prince)

Three years ago, Suzy and her family decided to move back to Macclesfield.

"When I moved here, Mill Street was much more thriving than it is now, but Macclesfield is still a really nice town to come to for a day out," she said.

"Rather than moaning about it, the best thing you can do is to shop in town and be part of the community.

"There's a real groundswell of people trying as hard as they can to improve Macclesfield and I just want to be a part of what makes this town what it is."

The Quiet Cat Bookshop will open in the coming days, with an official launch planned for the August Treacle Market Sunday.

Inside the shop you will find a range of new and carefully selected secondhand books, with a mix of full-price and low-price items.

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There will also be various artwork, homeware and gifts for sale.

An official launch is planned for August 31 (Credit: Suzy Prince)